REPORT: Mine 2018 – An annual analysis of the global mining industry

PwC’s 12th edition of the Mine Report has revealed near boom time profits for the top 40 mining companies around the world.

Mine 2018 is an analysis of trends based on the financial performance and position of the global mining industry as represented by the top 40 global mining companies by market capitalisation.

For the world’s top 40 miners, 2017 was a remarkable year. Having executed cost-saving strategies of the past few years and with margins and cash-generating ability improved, profits soared.

PwC’s Mine 2018 analysis found:

Market capitalisation up 30% to $926bn

Revenues increased 23% to $600bn

EBITDA rose 38% to $146bn

Net profit up 126% to $61bn and forecast to rise to $76bn in 2018

Employee costs increased by 5%

Female board representation increased to 19%

Strong balance sheets are tempting the top 40 mining companies to pursue bold investment and growth opportunities, but to deliver value on a sustainable basis, miners must remain disciplined and transparent in the allocation of capital, and stay focused on the goal of mining for profit, not for tonnes.

With such strong industry performance, miners will be faced with governments looking to increase taxes and royalties, unions will demand pay rises for workers, and shareholders will seek to receive increased dividends.